Job Details

Tape Operator

Location: Located near IAH Length: Lasting through April 2026 Pay Rate: $35/hr. Hours: Monday through Friday from 7-4 or 8-5 Purpose & Scope: We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically capable Tape Operator to support seismic data processing operations. The Tape Operator is responsible for the handling, staging, and transfer of large volumes of seismic data, primarily using magnetic tape media and disk storage systems. This role requires a solid understanding of Linux systems, data management workflows, and tape library operations within a high-performance computing (HPC) or geophysical data environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Capacity/Workload Management
• Throughput Maximization Creation and QC of client deliverables
• Prompt reporting of all issues affecting production

Logistics and Media Management

• Receipt and dispatch of storage media associated with Imaging projects
• Control of stored media, including documentation and record-keeping
• Creation and QC of client deliverables
• Shipping of media and computer hardware

Service Desk and Incident Management

• Resolution of Service Calls at First Line wherever possible
• Work with Engineers to achieve the above where necessary
• Liaise with other workgroups to ensure timely resolution of all escalated incidents

Problem Management

• Raising Problem Records for repeated Incidents and/or major events causing significant loss of service
• Contribute to root cause analysis as required

Required Skills & Knowledge:

• Linux proficiency: Comfortable working in command-line environments (e.g., Bash), navigating file systems, scripting basic tasks, and using common utilities (e.g., rsync, tar, mt, dd, etc.).
• Tape media knowledge: Familiarity with tape drive types, formats (e.g., SEG-Y, SEG-D), tape handling protocols, and robotic tape libraries.
• Data management: Understanding of large-scale seismic data workflows, including data archival, metadata handling, and storage policies.
• Attention to detail: Ability to manage complex data workflows with a high level of accuracy.
• Problem-solving skills: Capable of identifying, diagnosing, and resolving data transfer and hardware issue.
• Team collaboration: Willing to work in close coordination with data processing teams, IT support, and storage administrators.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree or relevant technical training preferred.
• Certifications in Linux (e.g., LPIC-1, CompTIA Linux+) are an advantage but not required.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• May require shift work (24/7 rotation), extended hours depending on project needs.
• Physically capable of handling tape media, occasionally lifting to 55 lbs.
• Secure data handling practices and confidentiality must be always maintained.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and manage robotic tape libraries and standalone tape drives (e.g., LTO, IBM 3592, etc.).
• Load, unload, and catalogue seismic data tapes in a secure and organized manner.
• Perform data staging, archiving, and restoration tasks using Linux-based tools and custom scripts.
• Monitor and verify data transfers between tape and disk, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Coordinate with seismic data processors and geophysicists to fulfill data retrieval and delivery requests.
• Maintain logs of tape movements, system messages, errors, and anomalies.
• Conduct periodic inventory checks and participate in tape rotation and offsite storage management.
• Troubleshoot hardware or data issues in coordination with IT and system administration teams.